Type A, O blood supply running alarmingly thin

Update:
January, 08/2015 - 09:08

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The reserved amount of blood types A and O is nearly exhausted at the National Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion. Many patients are being forced to wait for blood transfusions due to the shortage of blood. – VNA/VNS Photo Duong Ngoc

HA NOI (VNS) — Many patients are being forced to wait for blood transfusions, as the supply of blood types A and O is dangerously low.

Nguyen Anh Tri, director of the National Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion (NIHBT), said the institute, like many other hospitals, saw low levels of blood since the beginning of this year. Type A blood was meant to account for 20 per cent of available blood, but there are days when the amount was only 4 per cent.

Tri predicted the situation would last until after Tet.

Hospitals in Ha Noi need an estimated 5,000 units of Type A blood and 8,000 units of Type O blood before Tet. Yet on Monday, many did not even have enough for the day. Bach Mai Hospital needed 100 units but received only one.

The same situation is happening in other provinces like Thai Nguyen, Thanh Hoa and Dien Bien as well as Hai Phong. On Monday, Thai Nguyen Blood Transfusion Centre had less than 50 units of blood. The centre, which needs 30-40 units per day, may not get more until the end of this week.

Tri said the number of blood donors often decreased at the end of the year, while the need stayed the same or increased.

The supply of type B and AB blood remains stable and sufficient for patients in need.

The National Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion is appealing for people with blood types A and O to donate blood. Donations will take place at the institute from 7:30am until 8pm every day, including Saturday and Sunday. Donors can contact the institute directly at (04)38686008 or 0982666028. — VNS